ducks were popular in 1986

January 7, 2014

You can call this entry ‘transformation Tuesday’ or even ‘toilet Tuesday’ if you want, but here’s yet another before/after room project blah blah blah. I’ve gotten quite a few messages from readers letting me know they love seeing the 80’s house changes — and only one asking why I’m not posting more business ideas or photography tips. Since WhatIfItDid was not designed to make money or sell advertisements, I figure it really doesn’t matter what I choose to yack about.

This house formerly belonged to my great uncle, Theodore (lovingly referred to as ‘Teddy Bear’), and I sometimes wonder what he would think if he could walk through the front door today. My guess? His eyes would likely pop right out on his cheeks upon first glance at the half-bath. The framed print of the Wicked Witch of the West (which my favorite brother said probably looks like me in the mornings when he calls wanting something) and the funky paint (PPG’s ‘Fireweed’), is simply not his style. Teddy was more into silicone and engineering a make-shift countertop covered in linoleum (which Perry is removing in the ‘before’ photo below).

At one point, I thought about keeping the linoleum in this room. Except good ole’ Teddy Bear had spilled drops of iodine on it right about where Perry’s butt is planted in the before shot. It looked like pee dribbles and since it was in a spot not fitting for a rug, the half-bath got a floor treatment as well.

This flooring is something I’ve never had before and honestly never even considered. The word LINOLEUM even sounds ugly and rustles up connotations in my head that relate to single-wide house trailers. Not so anymore, you guys! (If you’re interested in the brand you can leave me a message and I’m happy to share — it’s just too cold for me to walk in the garage right now.) This stuff is so durable and looks great grouted.

And finally, for the reader who left the message about wanting more business/photography posts…

Don’t be afraid to try bold, new things. When I opened that can of ‘fireweed’ paint, I almost backed out to opt for something ordinary. I am so glad I didn’t.

And, both the ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots were taken in manual mode, ISO 3200, 1/30 sec at f/3.5 — so no longer shy away from higher ISO’s… many of the newer DSLR cameras have the ability to shoot at higher ISO values without a ton of noise.